Apology owed for opinion's insertion

In my many years of reading the Daily Bee, I have been frustrated by many typographical errors and missing article endings, but I have never seen opinion hiding in a news article.

I read the paper, and especially the front page, for news. I read the editorial section for opinions. I am not a fan of white supremacists; they even present a level of fear for me personally. However, I respect anyone’s effort to run for public office. That takes a lot of guts.

In his front page election news coverage on Thursday, May 17, Keith Kinnaird crossed the line between fact and opinion. Stating that Mr. Winkler “managed to amass a frightening 182 votes” is blatant opinion and not objective and unbiased news coverage. Yes, it is frightening to me that in our beautiful community, we have 182 people who would vote for someone who supports supremacist beliefs. But they are entitled to their personal opinions and have the right to vote. I expect objective, rational news coverage of our community events in our local paper.

No other candidate had adjectives attached to their election results. I believe Mr. Kinnaird and the Daily Bee owe Mr. Winkler an apology.

As educators, we spend a lot of time helping our students understand the difference between fact and fiction, truth and opinions. Perhaps Mr. Kinnaird needs a brush-up class.

ELLEN WEISSMAN

Sandpoint